Apparatus for rotation of plates to facilitate weldment

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for facilitating the weldment of plates and stiffness which form a section of predetermined size with the least amount of handling. The apparatus includes a frame suitable to support the plates, holding devices to secure the plates to the frame, lifting mechanisms to lift the frame and plates for rotational purposes and a drive assembly to rotate the frame in an arc of 180* to facilitate the weldment of the plates together to form a plate section.

*1 nited States Patent [191 Foster, Sr. et al.

[ Aug. 6, 1974 APPARATUS FOR ROTATION OF PLATES T0 FACILITATE WELDMENT[75] Inventors: Christopher .1. Foster, Sr., Sands Point; Christopher J.Foster, Jr., Port Washington, both of NY.

[73] Assignee: Christopher .1. Foster, lnc., Port Washington, NY.

[22] Filed: Jan. 17, 1973 [21] Appl. No.2 324,445

[52] US. Cl 269/8, 269/58, 269/61, 269/71, 214/1 Q [51] Int. Cl B25b11/00 [58] Field of Search 269/55, 56, 58, 59, 61, 269/8, 71; 214/] Q;198/33 AD [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,060,430Crecelius 269/59 2,545,953 3/1951 Hall 269/59 X 3,491,995 l/l970 Taraba269/8 3,700,228 10/1972 Peale 269/61 Primary Examiner-Roy Lake AssistantExaminer-Mark S. Bicks Attorney, Agent, or FirmKane, Dalsimer, Kane,Sullivan and Kurucz [5 7] ABSTRACT An apparatus and method forfacilitating the weldment of plates and stiffness which form a sectionof predetermined size with the least amount of handling. The apparatusincludes a frame suitable to support the plates, holding devices tosecure the plates to the frame, lifting mechanisms to lift the frame andplates for rotational purposes and a drive assembly to rotate the framein an arc of 180 to facilitate the weldment of the plates together toform a plate section.

12 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDmc 61974 SHEET 1 0F 3 PAIENIEBwsslam SBEEI 2 BF 3 PAIEmmws 61w 3. 27. 682 SHEET 3 OF 3 1 APPARATUS FORROTATION OF PLATES TO FACILITATE WELDMENT- BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONConventional practice for weldment of plates of steel, other metal,plastic or other similar material for the purpose of forming sections tothe required sizes, generally dictates the use of a trunnion, assistedby a crane, to rotate the section for the purpose of completing theweldment of the seams on the back sides of the plates which constitutethe plate section. As an example steel will be used as the material tobe welded in describing the depicted embodiment.

Rotation of the plates in this manner is cumbersome and time-consumingwhile requiring the costly use of crane service and manpower. A primedisadvantage is that of having prohibitive downtime of the automatedwelding equipment on stand-by time awaiting the plate section to berotated thereby creating production delays. It would be extremelyadvantageous in the art to provide a device which eliminates the initialcost of overhead crane runways and cranes and which can be locatedanywhere in a welding fabrication line without extensive material andinstallation costs. It could be extremely advantageous to be able toweld plates and accessories in the form of sections of virtually anysize within a designed framework with an effective increase in thevolume of production.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With the above background in mind, it is amongthe primary objectives of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for weldment of plates which meets the above suggestedcriteria and eliminates over: head crane runways and cranes andminimizes material and installation costs.

The present method and means improves the technique of the handling ofsteel plates which constitute a predetermined section of a ship,waterworks, bridge structure, building, or similar structures on aturnover frame which is capable of receiving the plates on a flat orcurved horizontal-position for weldment into a predetermined section.The system contemplates lifting of frame and steel section afterweldment is complete, in a vertical direction by hydraulic lifts orother similar means for rotation purposes. The rotation is accomplishedthrough an arc of 180 with the section of plates being held to the frameby holding devices on the frame. This action permits and facilitates theweldment of seams on the opposite side of the section of plates.Thereafter, the frame and section of plates can be returned by rotationto the original horizontal position for removal of the section of platesfrom the apparatus to a roller assembly line for additional work.

More specifically, the procedural method commences with the arrangementof various steel plates which constitute a predetermined section on aconveyor assembly where the seams are aligned and tack welded together.With the completion of the tack welding, the steel section is movedalong the conveyor assembly by rollers onto the rotation frame of theapparatus.

The steel section is then positioned and aligned and properly secured byholding devices to the rotation frame for the purpose of completeweldment of all seams on the exposed face of the steel section. The

welding gantry, with automated welding equipment, moves into positionand completes the weldment of the seams. Upon completion of the weldmentof the seams, the frame and section is lifted vertically by a liftingmechanism to provide the necessary clearance for rotation of the frameand section. A drive gear assembly which rotates the frame is engagedand the frame and section are rotated through an arc of and then arelowered to the original position on the roller table assembly of theapparatus. Holding devices which secure the plate section to therotation frame are released and the rotation frame is lifted to apredetermined height to provide clearance for the welding gantry to moveinto position and complete the weldment of seams on the newly exposedface of the steel section. With the weldment of seams completed, therotation frame is lowered and the holding devices are again activated tosecure the steel section to the frame. Frame and steel section are thenlifted vertically and rotated through an arc of 180 and thereafter arereturned to the original position. The holding devices are released andthe steel section is moved from the rotation frame to the connectingroller conveyor assembly line for additional work.

In general, the apparatus needed to carry out the above described methodfor rotating steel plate sections composed of various plates weldedtogether for the purpose of providing a more efficient method toincrease productivity includes the following interconnected elements. Arotating frame is connected to a lift system for lifting the frame in avertical direction to provide for the necessary clearance for rotationof the frame. Means are provided to secure the steel section to theframe by holding devices. Means are also provided for utilizing a driveassembly to rotate the frame in an arc 180 and, furthermore, means areprovided to control the braking of the frame during rotation.

The present apparatus is designed to minimize the steps required in themethod for the fabrication of steel sections comprised of various plateswhich require the weldment of the seams, channels, beams or othermetallic objects on both faces of the section as compared toconventional methods.

In conclusion, an apparatus and method are provided for facilitating theweldment of adjoining plates to form a plate section. The apparatusincludes a supporting frame to hold the plates and means on thesupporting frame to secure the plates thereto during weldmentoperations. Shifting means are provided to shift the frame holding theplates between an operative and an inoperative position. Finally,rotation means are provided to rotate the frame and plates between afirst welding position and a second welding position when the frame isin the operative position to thereby facilitate access to the plates forsubstantially complete welding operations.

The general method steps include placing the plates on a supportingframe structure in an inoperative position and securing the plates onthe supporting frame structure. Thereafter, the plates are partiallywelded together and the frame is then shifted to an operative positionwhere the frame is rotated to a second welding position. Thereafter, thewelding of the plates is completed and the frame is shifted to theinoperative position from which the plates are removed from the frame.

With the above discussed objectives, among others, in mind, reference ishad to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an in-line weldment production conveyorline with the apparatus of the invention located therein;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional elevation view thereof taken along the plane ofline 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional end view thereof taken along the plane of line 4-4of FIG. 2 with arrows showing the direction of rotation of the frameportion thereof;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the rotatingmechanism portion of the apparatus of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a sectional elevation view of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As an operative example of theapparatus and method of the present invention, the depicted embodimentis shown in operation for welding plates such as steel plates togetherin shipbuilding operations. For instance, FIG. 1 shows an environmentalview of apparatus installed in a conveyor line 21 of that type. Inoperation, the plates would come from a blast cabinet 22 into a spraybooth 23 and then into a oven 24.

Upon exit from the oven, the plates are placed in the welding line onthe portion of the conveyor 25 where the plates are aligned and tackwelded. The plates then progress to weldment apparatus 20 where thewelding of both sides of the plates is accomplished. The plates are thenremoved from apparatus 20 onto a continuation portion 26 of the conveyorsystem where reeve preparation is accomplished along with weldinspection. Thereafter the welded section is conveyed to the reevingportion 27 of the conveyor and on down the line in a conventionalfashion to a second directional welding portion 28. From then on, thewelded section can be handled in any conventional manner (not shown).

Apparatus 20 is shown in detail in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings. Aframe 29 is provided with a built-in central girder 30 which is designedto incorporate a steel shaft 31 at both ends of the girder. Shaft 31 isinstalled into a pillar box housing 32 located on platform 33. Hydraulicarm 34 located within a hydraulic lifting device 35 supports platform33.

The force utilized for rotation of frame 29 is obtained from electricmotor 36 coupled to a small gear box 37. Coupled to gear box 37 is alarger gear box assembly 38 which drives pinion gear 39 therebydelivering the necessary torque to gear 40. Shaft 31 has gear 40 mountedthereon so that rotation of gear 40 rotates shaft 31 and, consequently,interconnected frame 29. Brake 41 provides for control of the rotationof the frame to its interconnection with motor 36. A plurality ofelectric magnets 42 are affixed to the cross members 43 of frame 29 inany desired arrangement and are exposed to the upper surface of theframe for engagement with plates to be welded. A separate control panel44 interconnected with the frame assembly provides means for operatingthe electric magnets 42 and for rotating the frame. Additionally,controls for the hydraulic lift mechanism can also be incorporated inthe central control panel 44 and connected in a conventional fashion tothe hydraulic system 35 including the arm 34. It can be noted from thedrawings that a separate drive assembly 45 for rotational purposes canbe located on each side of frame 29 with identical elements in eachassembly. Similarly, a separate hydraulic lift assembly 35 can belocated on each side of frame 29 to support and lift the frame and driveassembly in the same manner as the hydraulic assembly 35 on the oppositeside of the frame.

To facilitate placement and removal of the cumbersome, heavy steelpanels with respect to frame 29, a plurality of rollers 46 are mountedon the bed 47 for the frame and extend upwardly therefrom so that whenthe frame is in the lower position, rollers 46 will extend upwardthrough the openings between the cross bars of the frame. In thismanner, rollers 46 form a bearing surface for sliding the plates on andoff the frame 29 from an adjacent conveyor system. It should be kept inmind that frame 29 is a grid-like structure with the cross members 43having the electric magnets 42 mounted at certain of the formedinterstices. In general, frame 29 is open at the top and the bottom withthe exception of the cross members 43 and electric magnets 42.

FIG. 3 shows apparatus 20 in the raised position with the steel plates48 mounted thereon. In actual operation, as shown in general in FIG. 1,the steel plates are passed through the conveyor system 21 until theyengage with rollers 46 and are positioned on frame 29. Control panel 44is then activated to operate the electric magnets 42 in a conventionalmanner and secure the steel plates under the force of magnetism to frame29. The control panel then is activated to conventionally causehydraulic assembly 35 to lift frame 29 along with the secure plates tothe uppermost position as shown in FIG. 3. The force is applied on bothsides of the frame through hydraulic arms 34 in engagement withplatforms 33.

It should be kept in mind that while the frame is in the lower positionand has the plates secured to the surface thereof, welding of the seamsof one side of the plates 48 is accomplished. The object is to completewelding of the opposite side of the plates. Therefore, when apparatus 20has frame 29 with the partially welded plates 48 thereon in the upperposition, control panel 44 is activated to operate motor 36. The shaftof motor 36 is connected to gear boxes 37 and 38 and to pinion gear 39so that pinion gear 39 is rotated as the motor shaft is rotated. Piniongear 39 is engaged with rotational gear 40 on shaft 31 so that as piniongear 39 is rotated gear 40, shaft 31 and the interconnected frameassembly 29 with the plates secured thereon by magnetism are alsorotated. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotation is accomplished throughdegrees so that the undersurface of the partially welded plates 48 arethen exposed for welding. Welding can take place at that time tocomplete the weldment of plates 48 into a plate section. Thereafter,control panel 44 can be operated to lower the hydraulic apparatus 35 andbring the frame downward to base 47. The electric magnets 42 arereleased and welded plates 48 are then removed from frame 29 with theassistance of rollers 46 for any desired purpose such as furthertreatment as shown in FIG. 1. Details of the rotational drive assembly45 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

An alternative operational method for the welding procedure which can beused similarly with the apparatus described in detail above includesbringing the plates to be welded on conveyor system 21 to station 25where the seams are aligned and tack welded together. Upon completion ofthe tack welding, the plates are moved along the conveyor assembly withthe assistance of rollers 46 onto frame 29.

The plates are then positioned and aligned and prop erly secured bymeans of magnets 42 to frame 29 for the purpose of complete weldment ofall seams on the exposed face of the plates. A welding gantry (notshown), with automated welding equipment, moves into position andcompletes the weldment of the seams. Thereupon, the frame and partiallywelded plates are lifted vertically by hydraulic lift assembly 35 toprovide the necessary clearance to rotate the frame and plates.

Drive gear assembly 45 which rotates the frame 29 is engaged and frame29 and partially welded plates 48 are rotated through an arc of 180 andthen are lowered to the original position on roller table or base 47 ofapparatus 20. The holding devices or magnets 42 which secure the plates48 to frame 29 are released and frame 29 is lifted to apredeterminedheight to provide clearance for the welding gantry to moveinto position and complete the weldment of the seams on the newlyexposed face of the plates. With the weldment of seams completed, therotation frame 29 is lowered and magnets 42 are activated which securethe welded plate section 46 to the frame 29. Frame and welded section 48are then lifted vertically and rotated through an arc of 180 degrees andreturned to the initial position. The frame is then once again loweredby hydraulic means 35 and magnets 42 are released so that the weldedsection 48 can be moved from the rotation frame with the assistance ofrollers 47 to the next receiving station 26 of conveyor system 21 foradditional work.

it is contemplated that the present apparatus can incorporate othertypes of holding devices in place of magnets 42 such as clamps.Similarly, other conventional lifting means can be utilized in place ofthe hydraulic lifting device depicted and described above. it is alsocontemplated although not shown that both rotational apparatus 45 can belocated on one side of frame 29 rather than on opposite sides of theframe and also a single rotational assembly 45 has been found to operatesatisfactorily. Finally, motor 36 may either be an electric motor or ahydraulic motor to supply the power for rotation of frame 29. Thepresent apparatus and method have been found effective for handlingextremely large sized steel plates utilized in shipbuilding.

' For example, plates having dimensions of thirty-eight by fifty-fivefeet and weighing approximately eighty tons can be effectively welded.

Thus, the above discussed objectives of the present invention, amongothers, are effectively attained.

We claim: 1. Apparatus forfacilitating the weldment of adjoining platesto form a plate section comprising:

a supporting frame to hold the plates; means on the supporting frame tosecure the plates thereto during rotation operations; shifting means toshift the frame holding the plates between an operative position and aninoperative position; rotation means to rotate the frame and platesbetween a first welding position and a second welding position when theframe is in the operative position to thereby facilitate access to theplates for substantially complete welding operations;

the rotation means including a braking device to facilitate controlledrotation of the frame and secured plates between a substantiallyhorizontal normal first welding position and a second welding positionsubstantially from the first welding position thereby facilitatingaccess to both sides of the adjoining plates; and

means on the apparatus for introduction thereof intermediate an in-lineproduction conveying system for weldment and handling ofplates inshipbuilding procedures, the means including a conveyor portionpositioned with respect to the frame and extending upwardly therefrom soas to engage with the plates and facilitate positioning and removal ofthe plates with respect to the frame during material handlingactivities.

2. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the plates are of asteel material.

3. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the shifting meansincludes elevation means to elevate the frame and secured plate to apredetermined height for rotational purposes and to return the frame andsecured plate to the initial position subsequent to rotation.

4. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the rotation meansincludes speed control means to regulate the speed of rotation of theframe and secured plates.

5. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the rotation meansis positioned adjacent both sides of the frame.

6. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the securing meansincludes electrically controlled magnets installed in the framestructure and exposed to the surface of the frame structure forengagement with the plates positioned thereon.

7. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the shifting meansincludes a hydraulic lifting device connected to said frame. 8. Theinvention in accordance with claim 7 wherein the hydraulic liftingdevice includes two separate mechanisms with each mechanism beingcentrally located on opposing sides of the frame and being mounted inindependent foundations.

9. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the rotation meansincludes a gear drive assembly connected to the frame.

10. The invention in accordance with claim 9 wherein there are two geardrive assemblies with each assembly being centrally located adjacent anopposing side of the frame and being mounted on an independent platform.

11. The invention in accordance with claim 10 wherein the platformsupporting each gear drive assembly is located on top of a hydrauliclifting mechanism forming part of the shifting means.

12. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the shifting meansincludes a hydraulic lifting mechanism having a platform mounted at thetop thereof and the braking device located on the platform.

. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No-,827,682 Dated August. 6', 1974' .I e Christopher J Foster et a1 7 It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the Abstract, lihe 2, "stiffness" should be -stiffners-.-

si ned and sealed this, I7th da of December 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. 0. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Comissioner ofPatents USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 FoRM Po-1o5o (10-69) v 5.GOVIRNIIEIIIPIUIITING OFFICE IQ, 0858'33

1. Apparatus for facilitating the weldment of adjoining plates to form aplate section comprising: a supporting frame to hold the plates; meanson the supporting frame to secure the plates thereto during rotationoperations; shifting means to shift the frame holding the plates betweenan operative position and an inoperative position; rotation means torotate the frame and plates between a first welding position and asecond welding position when the frame is in the operative position tothereby facilitate access to the plates for substantially completewelding operations; the rotation means including a braking device tofacilitate controlled rotation of the frame and secured plates between asubstantially horizontal normal first welding position and a secondwelding position substantially 180* from the first welding positionthereby facilitating access to both sides of the adjoining plates; andmeans on the apparatus for introduction thereof intermediate an in-lineproduction conveying system for weldment and handling of plates inshipbuilding procedures, the means including a conveyor portionpositioned with respect to the frame and extending upwardly therefrom soas to engage with the plates and facilitate positioning and removal ofthe plates with respect to the frame during material handlingactivities.
 2. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein theplates are of a steel material.
 3. The invention in accordance withclaim 1 wherein the shifting means includes elevation means to elevatethe frame and secured plate to a predetermined height for rotationalpurposes and to return the frame and secured plate to the initialposition subsequent to rotation.
 4. The invention in accordance withclaim 1 wherein the rotation means includes speed control means toregulate the speed of rotation of the frame and secured plates.
 5. Theinvention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the rotation means ispositioned adjacent both sides of the frame.
 6. The invention inaccordance with claim 1 wherein the securing means includes electricallycontrolled magnets installed in the frame structure and exposed to thesurface of the frame structure for engagement with the plates positionedthereon.
 7. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein theshifting means includes a hydraulic lifting device connected to saidframe.
 8. The invention in accordance with claim 7 wherein the hydrauliclifting device includes two separate mechanisms with each mechanismbeing centrally loCated on opposing sides of the frame and being mountedin independent foundations.
 9. The invention in accordance with claim 1wherein the rotation means includes a gear drive assembly connected tothe frame.
 10. The invention in accordance with claim 9 wherein thereare two gear drive assemblies with each assembly being centrally locatedadjacent an opposing side of the frame and being mounted on anindependent platform.
 11. The invention in accordance with claim 10wherein the platform supporting each gear drive assembly is located ontop of a hydraulic lifting mechanism forming part of the shifting means.12. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the shifting meansincludes a hydraulic lifting mechanism having a platform mounted at thetop thereof and the braking device located on the platform.